Heading to the Water: Choices in Recreational Boating

For an enthusiast, the idea of owning a boat for recreational use can be both a dream and a goal. To decide whether to make that day a reality or not, consider these.

What do you want to do?

The first consideration when buying a boat—yes, even before checking your budget—is to know what you want to do with it. Think of the activities you plan to engage in. Are you going fishing or indulging in a leisurely cruise? Or perhaps you intend to head out or some water sports? The kind of boat you need to get and the budget you need to allocate for it will change.

Where do you want to go?

Where do you intend to use the boat? This is what you should ask yourself next, according to D&R Sports Center (Boats Center). Finding a pontoon boat store in Michigan is easy, as there are waters suitable for them in the area. If a pontoon is not suitable for what you intend to pursue, ask for advice at the store. They will be able to help you get the right vessel for your needs as long as you can clearly communicate what you need for it to do and how you will use it. If you lack the expertise yourself, consulting experts is your best course of action.

Should you rent or buy?

The average amount of days that a boat owner spends on a boat in a year is roughly 18 days. You can use this average to gauge whether it is more beneficial for you to buy or rent.

If you decide to rent a boat, this means its upkeep and storage will not be your concern. You can use it for as long as you like and then return it when you’re done. This makes renting the cheaper and more practical option. If you buy a boat, however, you can rent it out to others. This way, there’s a good chance you can recover the cost of your purchase by allowing others to use it when you don’t need it.

By weighing your needs and options carefully, you can easily choose what’s best for you and make sure your funds—and boat!—are well-used.